Opinion

Teaching a terrier to be a better host to visiting dogs

By Anika Liljenwall

For The Daily News

Posted:
05/10/2013 06:14:18 PM PDT

Updated:
05/10/2013 09:49:49 PM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

Meghan Eddy / Peninsula Humane Society
Meet Simpson, a nearly 3½-year-old, altered male Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. He loves to run and play with squeaky toys the same size as himself. He also really loves hot dogs and will even sit for one. Simpson tends to jump up though, so continued training would be a plus. He needs owners with some previous experience and a quiet home. He can live with other dogs the same size and possible dog-savvy cats. Children should be in their teens. Ask for Simpson #A537668. To visit our adoptable animals, come to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. The shelter is open for adoptions Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For directions and information, call 650-340-7022 or visit www.PHS-SPCA.org.

Dear Miss Behavin': My terrier mix, Pepper, does fine with dogs outside, but if another dog comes over to my house she won't let them near her bed, food or toys. I have family who visit with their own dogs, so this is creating an issue. Any tips to stop my terrier from becoming a holy terror?

A: Some dogs are more territorial than others -- meaning they do not take kindly to other dogs invading their domain (I'm sure you've met a person or two like this!).

Pepper could be guarding items she holds near and dear (food, toys, bed), because in her mind the other dog threatens to take these items from her.

To get Pepper to accept your family member's dog, first try having them initially meet outside of your house, in neutral territory, such as the corner of your street or a nearby park.

Let them briefly sniff each other on leash, and then take them on a nice stroll together (a good way for dogs to get acquainted).

After the stroll, try walking into your house together, instead of bringing the new dog in with Pepper already inside.

Once inside, always supervise the dogs. You can leave Pepper's leash on and let it drag just in case you do need to get ahold of her suddenly. To prevent guarding issues, place her bed out of reach, and remove all toys and food items.

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If Pepper does growl or snap at the other dog, move her away using the leash, let her calm down for a minute and then drop the leash again. Avoid picking her up or holding her as this could reinforce the guarding behavior.

Do not use a squirt bottle to punish her, since this could cause Pepper to have even more negative associations with another dog in her space.

Try to end on a good note, so Pepper has positive memories of the visit. Hopefully, with a few repetitions, she will learn to accept your family member's dogs in your home and will be transformed from a territorial to terrific terrier.

Anika Liljenwall is a behavior associate for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org or call 650-340-7022, ext. 374.